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A list of Top 10 Best Fuel Efficient Diesel SUVs In India
Behold the top 10 best fuel efficient diesel SUVs in India, blending ARAI-rated averages from both manual and automatic variants. In the realm of automotive synergy, diesel engines and SUVs have forged an enduring alliance. Renowned for thriftiness and robust low-end torque, these powertrains remain favored companions for SUVs, especially on long journeys. Yet, the BS6 Phase 2 emissions norms have spurred India’s auto industry to reevaluate diesel’s role due to stringent emission controls. While hatchbacks and sedans pivot away, SUVs embrace diesel resilience.
1. Tata Safari
Tata Safari, the brand’s flagship SUV is a blend of power and size. Its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, offering 170hp and 350Nm, comes with a choice of a 6-speed manual or automatic. While its fuel efficiency slightly trails, understandable given its 4.6-metre length, the Safari’s grandeur sets it apart. With the manual variant achieving 16.14kpl and the automatic at 14.08kpl, the Safari showcases its unique charm in the fuel-efficient diesel SUV segment.
2. Tata Harrier
The Tata Harrier is another remarkable SUV from Tata with the same powertrain as the Safari. Its claimed figures stand slightly higher, boasting 16.35kpl for the manual and 14.6kpl for the automatic variant. The Harrier’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine generates an impressive 170hp and 350Nm, offering the choice of a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. Considering its substantial 4.6-meter length, it’s no surprise that the Harrier delivers such an exceptional performance. With its fuel efficiency and powerful engine, the Tata Harrier remains a one of the best fuel efficient diesel SUVs in the segment.
3. Mahindra Bolero Neo
Introducing the Mahindra Bolero Neo, a distinct offering based on the renowned Mahindra Bolero platform. Designed to cater to urban needs, the Neo variant brings enhanced comforts compared to its standard counterpart. Beneath its hood lies Mahindra’s 1.5-liter engine, producing a modest yet reliable 100hp and 260Nm of torque. Despite its 5-speed gearbox configuration, the Bolero Neo shines with an impressive fuel efficiency of 18.04kpl. A blend of urban sophistication and efficient performance, the Mahindra Bolero Neo excels among the best fuel efficient diesel SUVs.
4. Hyundai Alcazar
The Hyundai Alcazar is a three-row SUV that perfectly suits our nation’s demands. Our experience with the Alcazar proved it to be reliable, spacious, and notably economical. Powering this impressive performer is Hyundai’s 1.5-liter CRDi engine, generating a respectable 116hp and 250Nm of torque. Choose between a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The manual Alcazar shines with a remarkable 20.4kpl fuel efficiency, while the automatic variant holds its own at 18.1kpl. The Hyundai Alcazar strikes a harmonious balance between versatility and fuel efficiency, solidifying its stance among best fuel efficient diesel SUVs.
5. Hyundai Creta
The Hyundai Creta is a well-known contender in the SUV arena. Since its Indian debut in 2015, the Creta has carved its niche as a significant contributor to Hyundai’s sales. Sharing the 1.5-liter engine and gearbox with the Alcazar, the Creta gains a fuel efficiency edge due to its slightly smaller stature. Impressively, the manual variant claims 18.3kpl, while the automatic achieves a noteworthy 21.4kpl. The Hyundai Creta presents itself not just as a familiar face, but as an efficient companion in the realm of fuel efficient diesel SUVs.
6. Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos, a dynamic player in the SUV market, is unveiled. The Seltos, which just had a redesign, is powered by the same sturdy 1.5-liter diesel engine seen in the Creta and Alcazar, producing 116hp and 250Nm. Kia’s individual approach comes through, with the Seltos providing the iMT gearbox alone, distinguishing it from Hyundai. The Seltos iMT achieves a remarkable 20.7kpl, while the automated model achieves an excellent 19.1kpl. The Kia Seltos stands out as a distinct challenger, drawing a striking image amid a sea of fuel efficient diesel SUVs.
7. Mahindra XUV300
The Mahindra XUV300 is an efficient midsize SUV. Its 1.5-liter diesel engine produces 117hp and a strong 300Nm of torque. With 6-speed manual and automatic manual gearboxes, the road is calling. The manual gearbox shines with an outstanding 20kpl while embarking on a voyage of economy. Meanwhile, the automated option, which has a cutting-edge Marelli-sourced 6-speed automatic manual gearbox, offers an alluring possibility whose numerical allure has yet to be revealed. The Mahindra XUV300 is a beacon of fuel-efficient diesel SUVs, a distinct monument to clever engineering.
8. Kia Sonet
The Kia Sonet is a dynamic revelation in the fuel efficiency department. Sporting the same 1.5-liter diesel heart as its peers, it boasts 115hp and 250Nm. This SUV champions choice, flaunting both a 6-speed automatic and an iMT alternative. Revel in the rhythm of the road with the manual Sonet, attaining an impressive 24.1kpl. Meanwhile, the automatic rendition dances to the tune of 19kpl. Unveiling a harmonious blend of power and frugality, the Kia Sonet resonates as a pinnacle of fuel-efficient diesel SUVs, embracing the art of intelligent mobility.
9. Tata Nexon
Enter the world of Tata Nexon, where efficiency meets innovation. Tata, a pioneer in smart solutions to fulfill RDE criteria, uses a cost-effective Passive Selective Catalytic Reduction technology that complies with emission standards. The Nexon’s pulse is a 1.5-liter diesel engine, which differs from the bigger units found in the Safari and Harrier. This powerhouse marries perfectly with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, producing 115hp and 260Nm. The Nexon diesel has impressive mileage, registering 23.22kpl when driven manually and 24.07kpl when driven automatically.
10. Hyundai Venue
Set out on an eco-friendly journey with the Hyundai Venue, India’s unrivaled leader in fuel-efficient diesel SUVs. The Venue’s prowess is unrivaled, topping the list with an astonishing 23.7kpl. The Venue’s 1.5-liter engine pedigree is shared with its respected Hyundai and Kia contemporaries, the Alcazar, Creta, Sonet, and Seltos, and it beautifully mixes power and efficiency. With a focus on manual accuracy, the Venue only comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. Unleash the power of this revolutionary marvel and enjoy a thrilling adventure while being mindful of the environment.